Winning brgy officials told: Prioritize needs of residents

By Connie Calipay

THE 1,701 recently elected and reelected village and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) officials in Albay’s second district were urged to prioritize the needs of their constituents, recognizing their pivotal roles as frontline agents in delivering crucial public services.

During their mass oath-taking ceremony, Ako Bicol Party-list congressman and House Committee on Appropriation chair Elizaldy Co emphasized the fundamental role of the barangays in governance. “Your actions, decisions, and integrity will significantly impact the day-to-day lives of your constituents,” Co underscored, emphasizing the elevated standards these leaders are expected to uphold.

The elected officials, hailing from Rapu-Rapu, Manito, Daraga, Camalig, and Legazpi City, were reminded that their promises transcend mere ceremony, representing sacred vows to maintain transparency, accountability, and honesty in their service to the community.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos further stressed the importance of integrity and responsibility in leadership, highlighting the role of service to the public. He challenged the newly elected officials to focus on programs addressing critical concerns such as nutrition, maternal and child health, and the fight against illegal drugs.

Ray Caceres, DILG-Albay director, echoed the necessity for the winners to submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) within 30 days after the elections, as mandated by Section 14 of Republic Act 7166. Failure to comply with this requirement would prevent the elected officials from assuming their official duties as per the Commission on Elections’ regulations. (Report contributed by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

WINNERS. Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. and House Committee on Appropriations chair Elizaldy Co (with microphone) leads the mass oath-taking of 1,701 newly elected and reelected village and youth officials at Celebration Plaza in Legazpi City, Albay on Sunday (Nov. 5, 2023). The elected officials were from the towns of Rapu-Rapu, Manito, Daraga, Camalig and Legazpi City under Albay’s second district. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)